It’s no secret I LOVE to travel. Travel brings new adventures, educational experiences, relaxation, and discovering the unknown. As a Lifestyle Blogger I attend many tourism dinners and travel expo’s. I highly love the intimate media dinners where we get to hear stories and experience the food cultural of the impending travel destination city.
On Thursday, June 4th I joined Visit North Carolina for an intimate VIP dinner bringing together a small group of national media alongside destination partners from across the state including: Durham, Asheville, Wilmington & Beaches, Cabarrus, and Raleigh.
The dinner was hosted at Swift and Sons located at 1000 W Fulton Market in Chicago.
Our special guest of the evening was Chef Oscar Diaz. The Chicago-born, Durham-based chef is known for blending Mexican, Southern, and global influences into what he calls “pocho cuisine.” Diaz is the chef and owner behind some of Durham’s North Carolina most talked-about restaurants, including Little Bull, Aaktun, and TaTaco.
He first gained national attention as executive chef at Cortez Seafood + Cocktail before opening Little Bull in 2023, which quickly earned recognition from the Michelin Guide and national food media alike. Most recently, Diaz competed on Top Chef in 2026, further cementing his role in putting Durham’s dynamic dining scene on the map. I can’t wait to visit Chef Diaz restaurants and immerse myself in North Carolina’s cultural. Check out some of the destination spots below.
Here’s a brief summary I was given on the spots we learned about:
Durham – Durham continues to evolve as one of the South’s most dynamic small cities, blending a thriving culinary scene with innovation hubs like the Durham Innovation District and American Tobacco Campus. In 2026, the momentum is especially strong around food, with a wave of notable restaurant openings and revivals further cementing its reputation as a top-tier dining destination in the Triangle.
Asheville – Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville remains a creative and culinary powerhouse known for its arts scene, craft brewing, and outdoor access. In 2026, the destination is leaning into major tourism growth with new festivals, live music programming, and industry events like the Meaningful Travel Summit, reinforcing its leadership in sustainability and experiential travel.
Wilmington & Beaches – Wilmington offers a quintessential coastal experience, pairing a historic riverfront with easy access to nearby island beaches. The destination continues to gain national recognition—earning a spot on Southern Living’s 2026 “South’s Best Cities” list—thanks to its laid-back lifestyle, growing food scene, and strong appeal for both leisure and film tourism.
Cabarrus County – Located just outside Charlotte, Cabarrus County blends motorsports heritage with family-friendly attractions and outdoor experiences. Known as the home of NASCAR roots, the destination continues to attract visitors through major sporting events and experiential tourism, aligning with North Carolina’s broader push in 2026 to spotlight large-scale events and regional travel.
Raleigh – As the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh offers a polished mix of culture, innovation, and culinary energy within the fast-growing Research Triangle. In 2026, the city is seeing a surge of high-profile restaurant openings, revitalized hospitality concepts, and major events that continue to position it as one of the Southeast’s most exciting urban destinations.
So the question is…
Where should Chiataglance go?
